ABSTRACT Objective: To report outcomes from the largest multicenter series of penile cancer patients undergoing video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL). Materials and Methods: Retrospective multicenter analysis. Authors of 21 centers from the Penile Cancer Collaborative Coalition-Latin America (PeC-LA) were included. All centers performed the procedure following the same previously described standardized technique. Inclusion criteria included penile cancer patients with no palpable lymph nodes and intermediate/high-risk disease and those with non-fixed palpable lymph nodes less than 4 cm in diameter. Categorical variables are shown as percentages and frequencies whereas continuous variables as mean and range. Results: From 2006 to 2020, 210 VEIL procedures were performed in 105 patients. Mean age was 58 (45-68) years old. Mean operative time was 90 minutes (60-120). Mean lymph node yield was 10 nodes (6-16). Complication rate was 15.7%, including severe complications in 1.9% of procedures. Lymphatic and skin complications were noted in 8.6 and 4.8% of patients, respectively. Histopathological analysis revealed lymph node involvement in 26.7% of patients with non-palpable nodes. Inguinal recurrence was observed in 2.8% of patients. 10y- overall survival was 74.2% and 10-y cancer specific survival was 84.8%. CSS for pN0, pN1, pN2 and pN3 were 100%, 82.4%, 72.7% and 9.1%, respectively. Conclusion: VEIL seems to offer appropriate long term oncological control with minimal morbidity. In the absence of non-invasive stratification measures such as dynamic sentinel node biopsy, VEIL emerged as the alternative for the management of non-bulky lymph nodes in penile cancer.

Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to assess the clinical, economic, and humanistic impact of short-bowel syndrome/chronic intestinal failure (SBS/CIF) in Portugal. Methods: This is a retrospective multicenter cohort chart review study, with a cross-sectional component for quality-of-life (QoL) evaluation. Inclusion criteria comprised patients with SBS/CIF, aged ≥1 year, with stable parenteral nutrition (PN). Data collection included patient chart review over a 12-month period and patient/caregiver self-report and SF-36/PedsQL™ questionnaires. Main endpoints comprised clinical and PN characterization, healthcare resource use (HRU), direct costs, and patient QoL. Results: Thirty-one patients were included (11 adults and 20 children). Patients’ mean age (standard deviation [SD]) was 57.9 (14.3) years in adults and 7.5 (5.0) years in children, with a mean time since diagnosis of 10.2 (5.9) and 6.6 (4.2) years, respectively. PN was administered for a mean of 5.2 and 6.6 days/week in adults and children, respectively; home PN occurred in 81.8% of adults and 90.0% of children for a mean of 9.6 and 10.8 months/year, respectively. The mean annual number of hospitalizations was 1.9 and 2.0 which lasted for a mean of 34.0 and 29.4 days in adults and children, respectively. Twenty-one and forty hospitalization episodes were reported in adults and children, respectively, of which 71.4% and 85.0% were due to catheter-related complications. Mean annual direct costs per patient amounted to 47,857.53 EUR in adults and 74,734.50 EUR in children, with PN and hospitalizations as the main cost-drivers. QoL assessment showed a clinically significant impaired physical component in adults and a notable deterioration in the school functioning domain in children. Conclusion: In Portugal, SBS/CIF patient management is characterized by a substantial therapeutic burden and HRU, translating into high direct costs and a substantial impairment of the adults’ physical function and children’s school functioning.

Resumo Introdução: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto clínico, económico e social da síndrome do intestino curto/falência intestinal crónica (SIC/FIC) em Portugal. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo e multicêntrico de revisão dos processos clínicos incluindo uma componente transversal para avaliação da qualidade de vida (QV). Os critérios de elegibilidade incluíram doentes com SIC/FIC, idade ≥1 ano, em nutrição parenteral (NP) e clinicamente estáveis. A recolha de dados incluiu a revisão dos processos clínicos ao longo de um período de 12 meses e a aplicação de questionários auto-administrados a doentes e cuidadores e de questionários de QV (SF-36/ PedsQL™). Os indicadores principais foram a caracterização clínica e da NP, a utilização de recursos de saúde, custos diretos e QV dos doentes. Resultados: Foram incluídos 31 doentes (11 adultos e 20 crianças). A idade média (desvio padrão: DP) foi de 57.9 (14.3) anos nos adultos e de 7.5 (5.0) nas crianças com um tempo médio desde o diagnóstico de 10.2 (5.9) e 6.6 (4.2) anos, respetivamente. A NP foi administrada durante uma média de 5.2 e 6.6 dias por semana, em adultos e crianças respetivamente, em 81.8% e 90.0% dos adultos/crianças foi feita em casa durante uma média de 9.6 ou 10.8 meses por ano, respetivamente. O número médio anual de hospitalizações foi de 1.9 (1.6) e 2.0 (1.5) com uma duração média de 34.0 (47.4) e 29.4 (32.3) dias, em adultos e crianças, respetivamente. Foram reportados 21 e 40 episódios de hospitalização em adultos/crianças, dos quais 71.4% e 85.0% foram devido a complicações relacionadas ao uso de cateter. Os custos diretos anuais médios por doente ascenderam a 47,857.53 EUR nos adultos e a 74,734.50 EUR nas crianças, sendo que os maiores responsáveis foram a NP e as hospitalizações. A avaliação da QV mostrou um comprometimento clinicamente significativo da componente física nos adultos e uma deterioração relevante da dimensão escolar nas crianças. Conclusões: A gestão dos doentes com SIC/FIC em Portugal é caracterizada por uma sobrecarga substancial a nível terapêutico e de utilização de recursos de saúde, o que se traduz em elevados custos diretos e comprometimento substancial da componente física nos adultos e do desempenho escolar nas crianças.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Surgical training models prepare the resident for a more ethical surgical practice as well as providing a less steep learning curve. In urology, there are well-known models of pyeloplasty simulation, urethro-vesical anastomosis and nephrectomy, which have helped in the training of urology residents (1–3). Learning laparoscopic prostatectomy is a difficult surgery and requires advanced surgical skill from the surgeon (4), requires operate without a direct view of the surgical field in a two-dimensional space and with longer instruments (5). Laparoscopic prostatectomy step by step makes the surgeon's learning curve less difficult, lead to less intraoperative complications, such as blood loss, while also enabling shorter operative time and less positive surgical margins (6). The objective of surgical models is to simulate surgical procedures in a reliable way thus preparing the surgeon for his daily practice, surgical simulations in animal models have been described to compensate for inadequate clinical exposure (7). The canine model of prostate cancer has many similarities with humans. Despite trying to develop a model that is as credible as possible, there are ethical issues in several countries, such as Brazil, that do not allow the use of live dogs for scientific experimentation and there is a difficulty in not standardizing the animals used (8, 9). The swine surgical training model is widely known, accepted and used as a valuable tool in the teaching of new surgeons (10). The porcine video laparoscopic prostatectomy model allows the urologist in training to exercise the skills required in a real surgical situation, practicing them in a single session (10). We will present an experimental model in pigs for training urology residents in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with current techniques (11–13). The limitations found are that the prostate has no limits as well defined as in humans, the urethra is long and coiled, the fat surrounding the pelvic organs is scarce and there is no postoperative follow-up for evaluating functionality after the procedure, as well as the effectiveness of the surgery with surgical margins. However, it is similar in surgical model presented, it is reproducible and can provide a realistic simulation environment to the beginner surgeon. Material and Methods: In this paper, according to the institutional protocol approved by the institutional ethics and research committee FMUSP n° 964/2017 and protocol was in accordance with current international regulations for the use of animals in Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) guide. Ten male pigs weighing 20 to 22kg were used. The animals were anesthetized with a combination of Telazol (5mg/kg), Xylazine (1.5mg/kg), Cetamine (22mg/kg) and Atropine (0.04mg/kg) for orotracheal intubation followed by Isoflurane (2%). Animals were euthanized at the end of the procedure with a lethal dose of KCl (2mEq/kg). The trocar insertion points were marked using the epigastric vessels and umbilical region as reference points. Initially, urethral catheterization was performed using a hydrophilic Nitinol guidewire, followed by a perineal incision to dissect the tortuous urethra of the porcine model. A malleable urethral catheter 8Fr was inserted into their bladder. The animal was placed in the Trendelenburg position inserted and 12mm trocars were inserted in its umbilical region, utilizing 10mm in the surgeon's dominant hand, 5mm in his non-dominant hand of the surgeon, and 5mm in the first assistant's trocar. The surgeon replicates the steps performed in a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in humans, including the bladder catheterization, dissection of the anterior bladder plane, the vesicular and prostatic dissection, the suture of the dorsal venous plexus, a prostatectomy, an urethral vesical anast omosis, as well as the waterproof test, even including the performing of surgical steps using current concepts of anterior urethral suspension as the reconstruction of the posterior plane of the rhabdosphincter. Results: All steps of surgery could be reproduced in all ten porcine cases. No significant bleeding was observed and the surgical time was gradually reduced fifty percent from case one to last cases. Conclusions: The porcine model allowed the surgeon to replicate all the steps usually performed in a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The junior surgeons are better prepared to such difficult surgery. However, further studies will be necessary to prove the impact of the animal model presented in urological clinical practice.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: As doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII), que englobam a doença de Crohn e a colite ulcerativa, são doenças inflamatórias crônicas do trato gastrointestinal que frequentemente se manifestam em adolescentes e adultos jovens (AAJ). As DII são caracterizadas por episódios de doença ativa intercalados com períodos de remissão, e sua atividade se correlaciona inversamente com a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS). OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar se AAJ em remissão ou com baixa atividade de DII exibiria QVRS semelhante à de indivíduos saudáveis pareados por idade, e se fatores demográficos da doença poderiam afetar a QVRS usando um instrumento de medidas de desfecho relatadas pelo paciente. MÉTODOS: Este estudo envolveu apenas AAJ com DII, com baixa atividade. Esta pesquisa incluiu cinco clínicas multidisciplinares de dois Hospitais Universitários: Divisões de Gastroenterologia Pediátrica, Gastroenterologia, Coloproctologia, Reumatologia Pediátrica e Adolescentes, São Paulo, Brasil. Um total de 59 AAJ com DII (13-25 anos de idade) e 60 AAJ controle saudáveis (13-25 anos de idade) responderam os questionários Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 e 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey e as escalas visuais de dor. Dados demográficos, manifestações extra intestinais, tratamentos e desfechos da doença de Crohn e a colite ulcerativa foram avaliados. RESULTADOS: AAJ com DII e os controles saudáveis foram grupos semelhantes com relação à média de idade (18,63 [13,14-25,80] vs 20,5 [13,68-25,84] anos, P=0,598), quanto à proporção de pacientes do sexo feminino (42% vs 38%, P=0,654), e quanto à porcentagem da classe socioeconômica brasileira média elevada/ média (94% vs 97%, P=0,596). Os escores escola/trabalho foram significativamente mais baixos nos AAJ com DII do que nos controles saudáveis (70 [10-100] vs 75 [5-100], P=0,037). O escore ‘percepção geral de saúde’ foi significativamente mais baixo nos AAJ com DII do que no agrupamento controle saudável (50 [10-80] vs 0 [25-90], P=0,0002). As escalas de avaliação visual de dor foram semelhantes entre os dois grupos (2 [0-10] vs 3 [0-9], P=0,214). Nenhuma associação entre QVRS e parâmetros clínicos e demográficos foi identificada entre os pacientes com DII. CONCLUSÃO: AAJ com baixa atividade das DII relataram baixa QVRS nos domínios da escola/trabalho e percepção geral da saúde, o que destaca um critério de incapacidade nesta vulnerável população.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), comprising Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that often have their onset among adolescents and young adults (AYA). IBD are characterized by episodes of active disease interspersed with periods of remission, and its activity is inversely correlated with health-related quality of life (HRQL). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether AYA in remission or with low IBD activity would exhibit HRQL similar to that of age-matched healthy individuals, and whether demographic and disease factors could affect HRQL using a ‘patient-reported outcome’ instrument. METHODS: This study enrolled only AYA with IBD, with low activity. This research included five multidisciplinary clinics of two academic hospitals: Paediatric Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology, Coloproctology, Paediatric Rheumatology and Adolescent divisions, São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 59 AYA with IBD (age, 13-25 years) and 60 healthy AYA (age, 13-25 years) completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaires and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Demographic data, extra-intestinal manifestations, treatment, and outcomes regarding CD and UC were evaluated. RESULTS: AYA with IBD and healthy controls were similar with respect to median ages (18.63 [13.14-25.80] years vs 20.5 [13.68-25.84] years, P=0.598), proportion of female sex (42% vs 38%, P=0.654), and percentage of upper middle/middle Brazilian socioeconomic classes (94% vs 97%, P=0.596). The school/work score was significantly lower in AYA with IBD than in healthy controls (70 [10-100] vs 75 [5-100], P=0.037). The ‘general health-perception’ score was significantly lower in AYA with IBD than in healthy controls (50 [10-80] vs 0 [25-90], P=0.0002). The median VAS, FACES pain rating scale, and total VAS scores were similar between the two groups (2 [0-10] vs 3 [0-9], P=0.214). No association between HRQL and clinical and demographic parameters was identified among IBD patients. CONCLUSION: AYA with low IBD activity reported poor HRQL in school/work and general health perception domains, which highlights a disability criterion in this vulnerable population.

Resumo O laser de baixa potência provou ter sucesso em estimular a produção de colágeno em ensaios de cicatrização de feridas. Entretanto, grande diversidade tem sido observada nos protocolos utilizados. Este trabalho avaliou os efeitos de três protocolos de Terapia a Laser de Baixa Potência (TLBP) na cicatrização de feridas abertas em ratos. Feridas padronizadas com 1 cm2 de tamanho foram realizadas com um bisturi na região do dorso de 60 ratos Wistar machos pesando 225±25g, e foram divididos em quatro grupos (n=15): CTR (animais não irradiados), LT1 (20 J/cm2 diariamente), LT2 (16 J/cm2 diariamente) e LT3 (20 J/cm2 diariamente). Após 7, 14 e 21 dias, cinco animais/dia foram eutanasiados e as feridas analisadas histologicamente. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de normalidade da distribuição pelo teste de Shapiro-Wilk. Os dados gaussianos foram analisados pelos testes ANOVA e Bonferroni, enquanto que os dados não Gaussianos foram analisados pelos testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Dunn, considerando-se valores p significativos menores que 0,05. A TLBP em todos os protocolos reduziu a inflamação e aumentou significativamente a deposição de colágeno (p<0,05). Entretanto, LT2 apresentou os maiores níveis de colágeno em todas as fases do estudo (p<0,05), induzindo a substituição mais rápida do colágeno imaturo III pelo colágeno maduro I nos estágios iniciais de reparo e remodelação precoce do colágeno promovida por melhor organização dos feixes depositados. Concluiu-se que todos os protocolos induziram aumento da cicatriz de colágeno. Entretanto, o protocolo 2 (16 J/cm2, aplicação diária) promoveu os aumentos mais significativos na deposição de colágeno, acelerou a maturação do colágeno e apresentou a melhor arquitetura da cicatriz fibrosa final.

Abstract The low-level laser has proven successful in stimulating the production of collagen in wound healing assays. However, diversity has been observed in the protocols used. This work has evaluated the effects of three protocols of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the healing of open wounds in rats. Standard-sized wounds of 1 cm2 were performed with a scalpel in the middorsal region of 60 male Wistar rats weighing 225±25 g, and they were assigned into four groups (n=15): CTR (non-irradiated animals), LT1 (20 J/cm2 daily), LT2 (16 J/cm2 daily) and LT3 (20 J/cm2 daily). After 7, 14 and 21 days, five animals/day were euthanized and the wounds analyzed histologically. Data were subjected to normality analysis of distribution using Shapiro-Wilk test. Gaussian data were analyzed using ANOVA and Bonferroni tests whereas non-Gaussian data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests, considering significant p values less than 0.05. The LLLT in all protocols reduced the inflammation and collagen deposition increased significantly (p<0.05). However, LT2 showed the highest levels of collagen in all phases of the study (p<0.05) induced faster replacement of immature collagen III by mature collagen I in the early stages of repair and early collagen remodeling promoted by providing better organization architectural beams deposited. It was concluded that all protocols induced an increase in collagen scar. However, the protocol 2 (16 J /cm2, daily application) promoted the most significant increases in collagen deposition, accelerated maturation of collagen and showed the best architecture of the final fibrous scarring.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), an emerging virus associated with acute hepatic disease, leads to thousands of deaths worldwide. HEV has already been reported in Brazil; however, there is a lack of epidemiological and molecular information on the genetic variability, taxonomy, and evolution of HEV. It is thus unclear whether hepatitis E is a neglected disease in Brazil or it has low relevance for public health in this country. Here, for the first time, we report the presence of HEV in Northeast Brazil. A total of 119 swine faecal samples were screened for the presence of HEV RNA using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and further confirmed by conventional RT-PCR; among these, two samples were identified as positive. Molecular evolution analyses based on capsid sequences revealed that the samples had close proximities to HEV sequences belonging to genotype 3 and were genetically related to subtype 3f isolated in humans. Parsimony ancestral states analysis indicated gene flow events from HEV cross-species infection, suggesting an important role of pig hosts in viral spillover. HEV’s ability for zoonotic transmission by inter-species host switching as well as its possible adaptation to new animal species remain important issues for human health.

Abstract Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is defined as the death of cardiomyocytes due to prolonged ischemia, caused by thrombosis and / or vasospasm on an atherosclerotic plaque. Objective: To determine the incidence of patients with myocardial infarction undergoing primary angioplasty; characterize the anthropometric variables and identify the risk factors in this population. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational, retrospective study in which we collected secondary data from medical records of a hospital in a city in the state of São Paulo, where the largest number of interventions is via Public Health System, patients with a diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction, undergoing primary coronary angioplasty, from January 2011 to December 2013. Results: The total sample consisted of 437 subjects, 282 male and 155 female. In this study, there was predominance of myocardial infarction in the anterior descending artery ADA (45.51%), followed by right coronary artery RCA (38.46%), in carrying out the rescue angioplasty and stent implantation in 96.62% of cases. There was a predominance of high blood pressure as risk factors for 73.71%, followed by smoking with 41.66% of the sample. Conclusion: According to the present study data, it appears a higher prevalence of infarction occurred in the ADA, with individuals performing the rescue angioplasty procedure and the placement of the stent, and a growing incidence of drug stent placement. We observed a high incidence of risk factors, prevailing hypertension. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2018; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

RESUMO Objetivou-se determinar a área ocupada pelos diferentes tecidos presentes na lâmina foliar e a degradabilidade in situ das frações folha e colmo do capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) sob diferentes frequências de desfolhação (30, 45, 60, 75 e 90 dias). As plantas foram segmentadas em três níveis de inserção no perfilho (apical, medial e basal). Os resultados foram apresentados como proporção da área de cada tecido em relação à área total da lâmina foliar, sendo estes, tecido parenquimático (TP) tecido vascular lignificado (TVL) e tecido vascular não lignificado (TVNL). Observou-se que a proporção de tecido na lâmina foliar é alterada de acordo com a inserção no perfilho e com a diminuição da frequência de desfolhação. O TP tem maior proporção nas maiores frequências de desfolhação, TVL aumenta com a frequência e o TVNL é maior aos 60 dias. Os parâmetros de degradação da MS nas duas frações avaliadas diminuíram significamente com o aumento na maturidade da planta. A degradabilidade efetiva da PB nas frações folha e colmo diminuíram com o aumento na taxa de passagem (2, 5 e 8% h-1). A maior taxa de degradação (c) da PB para fração folha foi obtida com a frequência de 60 dias, j á o colmo aos 45 dias. Com o avanço na maturidade da planta aumenta a proporção de tecido vascular lignificado influenciando nos parâmetros de degradação ruminal do capim- elefante. A frequência de desfolhação de 60 dias apresenta um ponto ótimo quanto à proporção de tecidos anatômicos correlacionados com a degradação do capim-elefante.

SUMMARY This study aimed to determine the area occupied by different tissues present in the leaf blade and the in situ degradability of leaf and stem of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) under different defoliation frequencies (30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days). Plants were classified into three levels of insertion in the tiller (apical, medial and basal). The results were presented as a proportion of the area of each tissue in relation to the total area of the leaf blade, namely, parenchyma tissue (PT), lignified vascular tissue (LVT) and non-lignified vascular tissue (NLVT). The proportion of tissue in the leaf blade is altered in accordance with the insertion in the tiller and increase in cutting age of the plant. PT has greater proportion at lower cutting ages, LVT increases with frequency and NLVT is higher at 60 days. The parameters of DM degradation in the two fractions evaluated decreased significantly with increasing maturity of the plant. The effective degradability of CP in leaf and stem decreased with the increase in the rate of passage (2, 5, and 8% h-1). The highest rate (c) of CP degradation for the leaf fraction was obtained with a frequency of 60 days, for the stem, with 45 days. The advance in plant maturity increases the proportion of lignified vascular tissue, thus influencing the ruminal degradation parameters of elephant grass. The defoliation frequency of 60 days offers an optimal point regarding the proportion of anatomical tissues correlated with the degradation of elephant grass.

ABSTRACT Purpose To assess the impact of sperm retrieval on the gonadal function of rats with impaired spermatogenesis by comparing testicular sperm extraction (TESE) to aspiration (TESA). The efficacy of these procedures to sperm obtainment was also compared. Materials and Methods A pilot study showed impaired spermatogenesis, but normal testosterone (T) production after a bilateral orchidopexy applied to 26 rats, which were randomly assigned into four groups: TESE (n=7), TESA (n=7), SHAM (n=6) and Control (n=6). The T levels were measured through comparative analysis after the orchidopexy. Results There was no statistical difference in the animal's baseline T levels after orchidopexy in comparison to the controls: the TESE and TESA groups, 6.66±4.67ng/mL; the SHAM group (orchidopexy only), 4.99±1.96ng/mL; and the Control, 4.75±1.45ng/mL, p=0.27. Accordingly, no difference was found in the postoperative T levels: TESE, 5.35±4.65ng/mL; TESA, 3.96±0.80ng/mL; SHAM, 3.70±1.27ng/mL; p=0.4. The number of sperm cells found through TESE (41.0±7.0) was significantly larger than that found through TESA (21.3±8.1, p=0.001). Moreover, higher tissue weight was found through TESE (0.09±0.02g versus 0.04±0.04g, p=0.04). Conclusions The testicular sperm capture performed in rats through extraction or aspiration, after orchidopexy, did not significantly decrease the T levels. The amount of sperm found through testicular sperm extraction was higher than that through testicular sperm aspiration.

ABSTRACT Hemospermia has been considered as a benign and self-limiting condition. It usually has an inflammatory or infectious cause. However, recurrent or persistent hemospermia may indicate a more serious underlying pathology, especially over 40 years of age. Biopsy or surgical excision is indicated in cases of suspicious findings during investigation, such as cysts or masses. Open surgery has been considered the definitive form of treatment, however, it can be associated with significant morbidity. With growing experience in laparoscopics, this approach is becoming the preferable way to access the seminal vesicles. Our objective is to demonstrate a step-by-step operative technique for laparoscopic unilateral vesiculectomy approach in a man with hemospermia. Case A 61 year-old man presented with 1 year of hemospermia. He was treated empirically with a fluoroquinolone plus a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory without resolution of symptoms. Ultrasonography and MRI showed a solid-cystic mass in the right seminal vesicle. The patient was submitted to a laparoscopic unilateral vesiculectomy. Histopathological analysis showed intraluminal dilatation with blood content. During follow-up, complete resolution of symptoms was seen. Results Three patients composed our cohort. Mean age was 53 years-old (range 45-61 years), the right side was more commonly affected (two unilateral on the right and bilateral). Mean operative time was 55 minutes (range 40-120min). One patient presented amyloidosis in the histopathological analysis. All cases presented complete resolution of symptoms. Conclusions Laparoscopic vesiculectomy is a safe and feasible approach in cases of hemospermia. This technique showed good outcomes and minimal morbidity.

Resumo Fundamentos: Associação entre obesidade, terapia interdisciplinar e exercício físico intenso foi descrita para obesos. Contudo o estudo das atividades físicas representando as tarefas do dia a dia e o risco cardiovascular nas atividades do cotidiano torna-se necessário para verificar a ocorrência dessa associação. Objetivo: Investigar se um período de 18 semanas de terapia interdisciplinar é capaz de promover benefícios nos parâmetros cardiovasculares no repouso e durante o exercício físico em adultos obesos. Métodos: Amostra de 32 indivíduos de ambos os sexos com índice de massa corporal de 30 a 39,9 kg/m2 e idade entre 30 e 50 anos. Intervenção com terapia interdisciplinar (educação física, psicologia, nutrição e fisioterapia), duração de 18 semanas e mensuração de dados antropométricos de massa corporal, estatura, circunferências de cintura e quadril, avaliação de esforço máximo em ergômetro antes e após o período de terapia. Resultados: A terapia interdisciplinar diminuiu pressão arterial sistólica (PAS): 125,83 ± 9,86 (basal) vs 120,28 ± 16,82 (final), frequência cardíaca (FC): 74,75 ± 11,02 (basal) vs 72,77 ± 10,72 (final), e duplo-produto (DP) em repouso. Reduziu também durante o esforço submáximo PAS estágios 1: 143,44 ± 9,28 (basal) vs 131,56 ± 15,26; estágio 2: 152,23 ± 21,91 (basal) vs 141,56 ± 17,43 (final), PAD estágio 2: 89,89 ± 9,58 (basal) vs 83,13 ± 9,65 (final), FC estágio 1: 118,40 ± 12,90 (basal) vs 110,87 ± 7,66 (final); estágio 2: 137,09 ± 16,54 (basal) vs 130,37 ± 11,51 (final) e o DP referentes aos estágios iniciais. Conclusão: A terapia interdisciplinar reduziu a sobrecarga do sistema cardiovascular em repouso e no esforço submáximo em adultos obesos otimizando o repouso e atividades do cotidiano. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2017;30(2):128-135)

Abstract Background: Association between obesity, interdisciplinary therapy and intense physical exercise was described for obese patients. However, the study of physical activities representing daily tasks and cardiovascular risk in everyday activities becomes necessary to verify the occurrence of this association. Objective: To investigate whether a period of 18 weeks of interdisciplinary therapy is capable of promoting benefits in cardiovascular parameters at rest and during exercise in obese adults. Methods: Sample of 32 individuals of both sexes with body mass index of 30 to 39.9 kg/m2 and age between 30 and 50 years. Intervention with interdisciplinary therapy (physical education, psychology, nutrition and physiotherapy), duration of 18 weeks and measurement of anthropometric data of body mass, height, waist and hip circumferences, maximum exercise ergometer evaluation before and after the therapy period. Results: Interdisciplinary therapy decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP): 125.83 ± 9.86 (baseline) vs 120.28 ± 16.82 (final), heart rate (HR): 74.75 ± 11.02 (baseline) ) Vs 72.77 ± 10.72 (final), and double-product (DP) at rest. Reduced also during the submaximal PAS stress stages 1: 143.44 ± 9.28 (baseline) vs 131.56 ± 15.26; Stage 2: 152.23 ± 21.91 (baseline) vs. 141.56 ± 17.43 (final), PAD stage 2: 89.89 ± 9.58 (baseline) vs 83.13 ± 9.65 (final) , FC stage 1: 118.40 ± 12.90 (baseline) vs 110.87 ± 7.66 (final); Stage 2: 137.09 ± 16.54 (baseline) vs 130.37 ± 11.51 (final) and the PD referring to the initial stages. Conclusion: Interdisciplinary therapy reduced the overload of the cardiovascular system at rest and submaximal effort in obese adults, optimizing rest and daily activities.

The aim of this study was to describe the floristic, structure and spatial pattern of species occurring in a natural fragment of the floodplain forest in the lower Tapajos River, Para. Three hundred and eight contiguous sampling unities of 100 m² were installed, comprising a sampling area of 3.08 ha. In each plot, all individuals with DBH (diameter at breast height of 1.30 cm) equal to or higher than 10 cm were measured, identified, and referenced in Cartesian coordinates (X, Y). The analyses of the diversity and spatial pattern were performed using the Shannon-Weaver index and the Ripley's K function, respectively. There were 1,022 individuals surveyed, including 64 tree species and 33 families. The diversity recorded was 3.03; the total density was determined to be 331.8 individuals ha-1 and basal area of 16.10 m² ha-1. The species of high ecological value were Campsiandra laurifolia, Hevea brasiliensis, Glicoxylon pedicellatum, Tetragastris altissima, Vantanea parviflora and Mabea caudata. The diametric distribution of the community and species, except for Hevea brasiliensis, behaved as expected for uneven-aged forests, and presented an exponential distribution with an inverted J form. The community spatial pattern showed variations depending on the considered distance, however there was a predominance of aggregated distribution. The spatial patterns detected on the species were: I - partially aggregated and random for Vantanea parviflora species, II - completely aggregated to the Hevea brasiliensis and Glicoxylon pedicellatum species, and III -predominantly aggregated to Campsiandra laurifolia, Tetragastris altissima and Mabea caudata.

El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la flora, estructura y distribución espacial de las especies que se producen en un fragmento natural de bosque inundable en el Bajo Río Tapajós, Pará. Se instalaron 308 unidades de muestreo contiguos de 100 m², que comprende un área de muestreo de 3,08 ha. En cada parcela, todos los individuos con diámetro a 1,30 cm del suelo superior o igual a 10 cm fueron medidos, identificados y referenciados en coordenadas cartesianas (X,Y). El análisis de la diversidad y el patrón espacial se realizó mediante el índice de Shannon-Weaver y la función K de Ripley, respectivamente. Se inventariaron 1.022 individuos, distribuidas en 64 especies y 33 familias. La diversidad registrada fue de 3,03, la densidad total de 331,8 individuos ha-1 y el área basal de 16,10 m² ha-1. Las especies de mayor importancia ecológica fueron Campsiandra laurifolia, Hevea brasiliensis, Glicoxylon pedicellatum, Tetragastris altissima, Vantanea parviflora y Mabea caudata. La distribución del diámetro para la comunidad y las especies, excepto la Hevea brasiliensis, se comportó como se espera para bosques multietáneos, es decir, distribución exponencial en forma de J-invertida. El patrón espacial de la comunidad mostró variaciones en función de la distancia, sin embargo, hubo predominio de la distribución agregada. Los patrones espaciales de las especies encontradas fueron: I) agregado parcialmente y aleatorio de la especie Vantanea parviflora; II) agregado por completo de las especies Hevea brasiliensis y Glicoxylon pedicellatum; y III) predominantemente agregado para Campsiandra laurifolia, Tetragastris altissima y Mabea caudata.

RESUMO A análise de mudanças na composição de espécies e estrutura da vegetação em cronosseqüências aprimora o conhecimento sobre os padrões de regeneração após o abandono das terras na Amazônia. Nosso objetivo foi realizar análise florístico-estrutural em florestas maduras (com / sem exploração madeireira) e em sucessões secundárias (inicial, intermediária e avançada) na região do Tapajós. A idade da regeneração e os locais das parcelas foram determinados usando imagens Landsat-5 TM (1984-2012). Na análise florística, foi determinada a suficiência amostral e os índices de Shannon-Weaver (H'), uniformidade de Pielou (J), Valor de Importância (VI) e alfa de Fisher (α). Foi aplicada análise de escalonamento multidimensional não-métrico (NMDS) para ordenação de similaridade. Na análise estrutural, o diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP), altura total da árvore (Ht), área basal (BA) e biomassa acima do solo (AGB) foram obtidos. As diferenças entre tipologias dos atributos florísticos-estruturais foram verificadas utilizando os testes de Tukey e Kolmogorov-Smirnov. Os resultados mostraram aumento dos índices H', J e alfa a partir da sucessão inicial até as florestas maduras da ordem de 47%, 33% e 91%, respectivamente. O estágio avançado apresentou mais espécies em comum com o estágio intermediário do que com a floresta madura. Foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os estágios iniciais e intermediários (p <0,05) para o DAP, BA e Ht. O retorno dos estoques de carbono mostrou uma variação de AGB de 14,97 t ha-1 (estágio inicial) para 321,47 t ha-1(florestas maduras). Além de AGB, Ht também foi um atributo importante para discriminar as tipologias.

ABSTRACT The analysis of changes in species composition and vegetation structure in chronosequences improves knowledge on the regeneration patterns following land abandonment in the Amazon. Here, the objective was to perform floristic-structural analysis in mature forests (with/without timber exploitation) and secondary successions (initial, intermediate and advanced vegetation regrowth) in the Tapajós region. The regrowth age and plot locations were determined using Landsat-5/Thematic Mapper images (1984-2012). For floristic analysis, we determined the sample sufficiency and the Shannon-Weaver (H'), Pielou evenness (J), Value of Importance (VI) and Fisher's alpha (α) indices. We applied the Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) for similarity ordination. For structural analysis, the diameter at the breast height (DBH), total tree height (Ht), basal area (BA) and the aboveground biomass (AGB) were obtained. We inspected the differences in floristic-structural attributes using Tukey and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. The results showed an increase in the H', J and α indices from initial regrowth to mature forests of the order of 47%, 33% and 91%, respectively. The advanced regrowth had more species in common with the intermediate stage than with the mature forest. Statistically significant differences between initial and intermediate stages (p<0.05) were observed for DBH, BA and Ht. The recovery of carbon stocks showed an AGB variation from 14.97 t ha-1 (initial regrowth) to 321.47 t ha-1 (mature forests). In addition to AGB, Ht was also important to discriminate the typologies.

ABSTRACT Abstract: Overactive bladder syndrome is one of the lower urinary tract dysfunctions with the highest number of scientific publications over the past two decades. This shows the growing interest in better understanding this syndrome, which gathers symptoms of urinary urgency and increased daytime and nighttime voiding frequency, with or without urinary incontinence and results in a negative impact on the quality of life of approximately one out of six individuals – including both genders and almost all age groups. The possibility of establishing the diagnosis just from clinical data made patients' access to specialized care easier. Physiotherapy resources have been incorporated into the urological daily practice. A number of more selective antimuscarinic drugs with consequent lower adverse event rates were released. Recently, a new class of oral drugs, beta-adrenergic agonists has become part of the armamentarium for Overactive Bladder. Botulinum toxin injections in the bladder and sacral neuromodulation are routine modalities of treatment for refractory cases. During the 1st Latin-American Consultation on Overactive Bladder, a comprehensive review of the literature related to the evolution of the concept, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management was conducted. This text corresponds to the first part of the review Overactive Bladder 18-years.

ABSTRACT Traditionally, the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome has been based on the use of oral medications with the purpose of reestablishing the detrusor stability. The recent better understanding of the urothelial physiology fostered conceptual changes, and the oral anticholinergics – pillars of the overactive bladder pharmacotherapy – started to be not only recognized for their properties of inhibiting the detrusor contractile activity, but also their action on the bladder afference, and therefore, on the reduction of the symptoms that constitute the syndrome. Beta-adrenergic agonists, which were recently added to the list of drugs for the treatment of overactive bladder, still wait for a definitive positioning – as either a second-line therapy or an adjuvant to oral anticholinergics. Conservative treatment failure, whether due to unsatisfactory results or the presence of adverse side effects, define it as refractory overactive bladder. In this context, the intravesical injection of botulinum toxin type A emerged as an effective option for the existing gap between the primary measures and more complex procedures such as bladder augmentation. Sacral neuromodulation, described three decades ago, had its indication reinforced in this overactive bladder era. Likewise, the electric stimulation of the tibial nerve is now a minimally invasive alternative to treat those with refractory overactive bladder. The results of the systematic literature review on the oral pharmacological treatment and the treatment of refractory overactive bladder gave rise to this second part of the review article Overactive Bladder – 18 years, prepared during the 1st Latin-American Consultation on Overactive Bladder.